Greek Government Patronage Irritates Brussels

By

Viktoria Dendrinou

and Nektaria Stamouli

Jan 19, 2016 11:55 am ET

As negotiations between Greece and its international creditors over the country’s bailout pick up steam, the focus is on key differences between the two sides over painful overhauls to the pension system, and further economic austerity.

But another issue could also complicate talks: European officials say they have growing concerns about moves by the leftwing government in Athens to fill key administration posts with political supporters, mirroring practices of previous governments that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ party had promised to discontinue.